THE TEMPLAR TOWER
The Knights Templar tower at Temple Bruer, less than a mile from our huts
In short
Temple Bruer takes its name from a preceptory of the Knights Templar founded in the 1150s. One of its church towers still stands: a 13th-century, Grade I listed building and scheduled monument on private farmland, less than a mile from our huts. It is free to visit during daylight hours, and there is a small free car park.
A short history
A charter for the foundation of the preceptory at Temple Bruer was obtained between 1150 and 1160, on land given by William, Lord of Ashby. When the Knights Templar were suppressed in 1312, the preceptory passed to the Knights Hospitallers, who kept it as a commandery until its final dissolution in 1540 to 1541.
Excavations in 1833 and 1908 uncovered the foundations of a round church, a second church tower and a crypt. Today the surviving tower, north of Temple Farmhouse, stands more than 16 metres high, and most of it is original stonework.
Visiting the tower
The tower is on private farmland, but it is free to enter in daylight and there is a small free car park. Inside, look for the names carved into the stone walls. It is less than a mile from the huts as the crow flies, but the lanes make the trip by road longer, so check your route before you set off, and please close any gates behind you.
The Roman road on your doorstep
Our huts are on High Dyke, which follows the line of Ermine Street, the Roman road north to Lincoln. Lincoln’s own medieval landmarks, the cathedral, castle and Bishop’s Palace, are about 14 miles away: see our guide to visiting Lincoln. For more ideas close to the huts, our things to do page has a directory of places to visit, and our directions explain the best way to reach High Dyke.
Questions about the Templar tower
Is the Temple Bruer tower free to visit?
Yes. The tower stands on private farmland but is free to enter during daylight hours, and there is a small free car park.
Who built the tower at Temple Bruer?
The Knights Templar. Their preceptory at Temple Bruer was founded in the 1150s, and the surviving tower dates from the 13th century. After 1312 the site passed to the Knights Hospitallers until 1540 to 1541.
How far is the tower from Temple Bruer Glamping?
Less than a mile as the crow flies. By road it is further, because the lanes go around the fields, so check your route first.
Is the Templar tower a listed building?
Yes. It is a Grade I listed building, and the remains of the preceptory church are a scheduled monument.